Chapter 43

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Chapter 43: Establishing the Spirit Contract

Establish a contract!

Ming He’s heart skipped a beat. Could it be what she thought? In the cultivation world, things were different from the mundane. There was no need for marriage in the traditional sense; if cultivators had mutual feelings, they often established a contract instead.

This contract was different from the previous Blood Oath, but it was also bound by the rules of heaven and earth.

Both parties had to be willing, and upon the contract’s completion, they would become Dao partners. From that moment on, the long journey of the Great Path would no longer be a solitary one. This contract not only held ceremonial significance but also meant that a cultivator could only choose one person to establish a contract with at a time, replacing the role of a marriage certificate in Ming He’s understanding.

Could the contract Elder Lin spoke of be this contract?

“Are you unwilling?” Qin Chu Yi observed her avoiding the subject, feeling a slight discomfort. She didn’t care whether Elder Lin’s mention of a contract was what Ming He thought it was. Her voice was cool, with a coldness that held an unnamed anger.

She, the Young Master of a noble clan, felt that if news of her wanting to establish a contract got out, even if the Qin Clan’s gates were forged by a heavenly rank refiner, they would be trampled upon. Yet, Ming He was actually unwilling!

Why was she unwilling? She was just a small disciple from the remote Liu Yun Sect—how dare she look down on her?

Hmph! As if she would care!

Qin Chu Yi shot Ming He a glance filled with disdain and displeasure, unaware that her proud demeanor now felt vibrant and alive to others, in stark contrast to her previous icy appearance, as if she were a different person.

Dressed in white, she looked as pure as ever but also carried the warmth of the sun after winter, a hint of chill like the early spring breeze.

She seemed to have emerged from the bland words created in the original story, now possessing her own soul and color.

Indifference and aloofness were part of her, but so could be brightness and vitality.

There are no unchanging people in the world, nor are there one-dimensional roles.

“It’s not the kind of contract you think,” Elder Lin remarked, a smile breaking through his serious expression as he looked at Ming He and softened his gaze towards her. “The contract you envision is called the Eternal Love Contract, which signifies everlasting affection. That is the contract a Dao partner would establish, so do not mistake my Young Master’s intentions.”

Elder Lin teased Ming He lightly, earning her an eye roll and a deepening smile as he continued, “The contract I’m referring to is called the Spirit Contract, recorded in ancient texts, specifically regarding the Star Lock.”

“The name Spirit Contract implies a connection to spiritual realms. The one who holds the Star Lock can only select one cultivator to establish this contract. Therefore, in some ways, forming a Spirit Contract should be taken more seriously than the Eternal Love Contract.” This was because after establishing an emotional contract, if it turned out that their paths diverged or feelings faded, they could still dissolve the contract.

However, a Spirit Contract cannot be undone.

“Once the Spirit Contract is formed, as long as Miss Ming He agrees, Young Master can harness the power of the Star Lock.” This would allow him to suppress the cold poison that resided within him since birth. Without the poison to hinder him, Young Master’s cultivation would advance rapidly, and what would he have to fear in life-and-death battles?

The world was vast, and he could go anywhere; she would be free.

She deserved to be.

After Elder Lin succinctly explained the purpose of the Spirit Contract, he turned to Ming He, “It’s not the Eternal Love Contract. Do you agree, Miss Ming He?”

“Is there nothing else besides borrowing the power of the Star Lock?” Ming He felt it could not be that simple. If the only purpose was to allow the recognized owner of the Star Lock to lend its power to another, why create a special contract?

There had to be a hidden story behind the Spirit Contract.

“Of course, it’s not that simple,” Elder Lin agreed with Ming He’s insight. “After you establish the Spirit Contract, Young Master and Miss Ming He will have a certain level of telepathic connection, a kind of understanding that cannot be expressed in words. Since I have never established a contract with anyone, I cannot describe what that feeling is like.”

Elder Lin noticed a slight blush on the Young Master’s ears and couldn’t help his wicked amusement, teasing them. When he received another eye roll from both Young Master and Ming He, he laughed and continued, “In addition to that, both parties in the contract can passively accept the power of the Star Lock, benefiting the one with lower cultivation significantly.

Aside from faster cultivation speed and insights aligning more closely with the sound of heaven and earth, there are many other benefits.

However, this is something Miss Ming He will need to explore. The significance of the Star Lock is not as simple as the four words of ‘ancient spiritual artifact’ suggest. There’s a story behind it, one related to the ancient cultivation of our human race and to the Tianwu Continent.

But the specific relationship remains unspoken in the ancient texts.” Elder Lin’s tone grew heavy as he spoke.

Since the Star Lock recognized its owner, Ming He’s identity was no longer just that of an inherited disciple from Liu Yun Sect. She now held the qualifications to stand at the pinnacle of the Tianwu Continent.

But can she? Does she truly deserve the recognition of the Star Lock? Was it mere chance, a stroke of heavenly favor, or perhaps a testament to her exceptional talent?

These questions lingered unanswered, their truths to be unveiled only by the passage of time.

The Star Lock was of paramount importance!

Fortunately, the human race still had time on their side.

“Elder Lin will prepare the spiritual items and mediums necessary for the Spirit Contract. Young Master and Miss Ming He, please make your decision,” Elder Lin stated, his figure flickering before vanishing once more.

He didn’t inquire if Ming He was willing, confident in her decision.

It wasn’t due to any prior thoughts of her relationship with the Young Master; rather, he sensed Ming He’s clarity and purity of heart, trusting her to choose wisely.

Liu Yun Sect had indeed nurtured an exceptional disciple; it was no surprise that Qu Lingyun had taken her as a closed-door disciple.

“Ming He, would you… would you establish a Spirit Contract with me?” Qin Chu Yi’s voice faltered, her gaze shifting uncertainly, a faint blush coloring her ears.

Moments ago, they had exchanged disdain, yet now she sought to form a bond with her. Though not a Dao partner’s contract, it was still a significant commitment.

Thus, Ming He’s decision was crucial.

Elder Lin had emphasized that both parties must willingly agree to the Spirit Contract. Would Ming He consent?

Qin Chu Yi’s heart was uneasy as she gazed at Ming He. The woman in blue met her gaze with luminous eyes, their shape reminiscent of peach blossoms, deep and captivating. In those eyes, Qin Chu Yi saw her own reflection, yet Ming He’s thoughts remained elusive.

Ming He was a blend of serenity and sharpness, a mist that seemed transparent at first glance but revealed countless stars upon closer inspection.

She radiated her own light.

“What if I refuse? What would Sister Qin do?” Ming He’s gaze held Qin Chu Yi’s, whose eyes shimmered with hope and anticipation, though her expression remained cool and detached.

Her posture was upright, her demeanor aloof, yet the faint blush on her ears and the subtle flush on her fair skin betrayed her inner turmoil. Seeing Qin Chu Yi thus, Ming He felt an urge to tease her; this was the allure of a cold beauty!

“If you refuse, then I can do nothing.” There was no alternative.

Qin Chu Yi’s expression darkened slightly, a hint of bitterness in her eyes. She had no desire to harm Ming He, nor would she compel her.

Though their acquaintance spanned less than a year, it had been enough for Qin Chu Yi to understand Ming He.

Outwardly reserved and gentle, Ming He harbored an unyielding pride within, much like her sword—she was a true sword cultivator.

No coercion could bend her will; if pushed to her limits, she would rather sacrifice her life than yield to force.

Qin Chu Yi could not sway her decision, at least not now.

Amid her bitterness, Qin Chu Yi couldn’t help but wonder if there would come a day when Ming He would compromise for someone. Would Ming He ever fall in love? What would that look like?

A spark of curiosity ignited within her.

“I am not unwilling.” Ming He’s gaze softened as she observed Qin Chu Yi, her head bowed, her expression somber, as if the sunlight had abandoned her. Ming He’s heart softened; she had no objections.

Qin Chu Yi was different to her.

Initially, it was due to her being the mother of the Dragon Hero; later, it was her status as the Young Master of a noble clan. Ming He had sought to gain from her, a lesson ingrained from her past life, where profit reigned supreme.

But when Qin Chu Yi had turned back to save her in a life-and-death situation, Ming He realized that Qin Chu Yi had become a friend in her heart.

Qin Chu Yi, Liu Xiaole, Nineteen, Master, second Senior Sister, and the composed Senior Brother—she had, without realizing, gathered so much.

Ming He smiled gently, her voice soft and clear, “I am willing.”

“Didn’t Elder Lin say that the Spirit Contract greatly benefits the one with lower cultivation?” Ming He’s smile was warm, her eyes glimmering, “It’s a mutual gain.”

Win-win.

As Qin Chu Yi pondered this term, the tension in her heart inexplicably eased. Meeting Ming He’s gentle and luminous gaze, she smiled, her expression momentarily outshining the blazing sun in the sky. “Yes,” she replied.

She nodded, her eyes locking with Ming He’s, and in that silent exchange, everything was understood.

“Sister Qin, when you mentioned being Chu Yi Qing, the true disciple of the Floating Cloud Sect, in front of the ancient cave dwelling, was that your true identity?” After finalizing the contract, Ming He returned to her seat, posing a question she already knew the answer to.

She suspected that Chu Yi Qing was merely one of Qin Chu Yi’s aliases. What story lay behind that persona?

There was also the cold poison, the battlefield of the heavens, and the Star Lock.

The name Qin Chu Yi carried layers of meaning beyond the original narrative.

Ming He found herself intrigued by those untold stories.

Qin Chu Yi, Chu, Yi, Qing.

Did she choose her alias so casually? Ming He’s lips curved into a smile as she awaited Qin Chu Yi’s response.

“What do you think?” Qin Chu Yi replied with a faint smile, deflecting the question with a relaxed, conversational tone.

“I think ‘Qin Chu Yi’ suits you better,” Ming He said, her tone light as she noticed the rare softening of Qin Chu Yi’s usual cold demeanor. “By the way, is the Floating Cloud Sect you mentioned related to the Liu Yun Sect?”

The name felt familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it. The Floating Cloud Sect was the largest sect in the Eastern Region’s First Continent—could there be a connection to the Liu Yun Sect?

“Indeed, there is. The Liu Yun Sect is an affiliated sect of the Floating Cloud Sect,” Qin Chu Yi explained leisurely. “However, since your Master, Qu Lingyun, became the Sect Master of the Liu Yun Sect, the two sects have had no further ties.”

Qu Lingyun, the current Sect Master of the Liu Yun Sect, had once been a disciple of the Floating Cloud Sect.

Qin Chu Yi’s eyes flickered as she considered the connections, but she chose not to elaborate. “When your cultivation advances further, your Master will explain it to you.”

Qu Lingyun had indeed taken on an exceptional disciple.

Affiliated sect.

Ming He lowered her head, quietly acknowledging that the things that felt familiar were never simple—whether it was Qin Chu Yi, Ji Wu Xu, Mu Xuan Ye, or the Floating Cloud Sect.

Higher cultivation.

She was currently at Spirit Guiding stage nine levels. Did Qin Chu Yi mean advancing to the Xuan Wei realm? Or perhaps the Dust Dispersal stage?

Her thoughts drifted to her recent duel with Sun Yue, the top cultivator in the loose cultivators alliance, and her resolve solidified as she recalled her decision: to train relentlessly.

Seven days later.

Ming He practiced her sword in Chang Ming courtyard, revisiting the insights she had gained in the ancient cave dwelling. Starting with the Unsheathing Style, she moved through the foundational Liu Yun Sword Art, then to the Flickering Light, and finally the Nebula Sword Art. Over those seven days, aside from consolidating her cultivation, she practiced tirelessly, day and night, without a moment’s rest.

The round stone in the courtyard gradually absorbed the sword energy, its aura growing increasingly fierce. The area where Ming He trained was barren, devoid of even a single blade of grass. Approaching it, one could feel the rampant sword energy in the air—sharp, unyielding, and unrelenting.

It was a testament to Ming He’s relentless dedication, her early mornings and late nights spent in pursuit of mastery.

Qin Chu Yi sat nearby, watching her with undisguised admiration.

Ming He’s talent in swordsmanship was undeniable, but her current achievements were not yet enough to astonish Qin Chu Yi. Her background had shaped her starting point, and that starting point defined her perspective.

There were many geniuses whose talent surpassed Ming He’s, but few matched her unwavering diligence.

Since Qin Chu Yi had met Ming He, it seemed the only time she wasn’t practicing was when she slept. As time passed, her moments of rest grew fewer, while her training sessions became longer and more intense.

She would undoubtedly become an extraordinary sword cultivator in the future.

Qin Chu Yi gazed at the figure in blue, her thoughts drifting as she watched Ming He’s relentless pursuit of perfection.